Schizophrenia Treatment
What you will learn:
- Signs and symptoms of schizophrenia.
- Evidence-based treatment options, from intensive outpatient programs to individual counseling and medication management.
- How Guardian Recovery’s coordinated care model brings together psychiatrists, therapists, case managers, and other specialists for optimal treatment.
Imagine trying to complete a puzzle while someone constantly changes the pieces. That’s how many people describe living with schizophrenia. The confusion, the fear, the overwhelming sense that nothing makes sense anymore. These are the daily realities. But at Guardian Recovery, we’ve developed a revolutionary approach that’s helping people piece their lives back together, creating a picture of hope and possibility where there once was only chaos.Â
Our treatment program stands apart because we understand that schizophrenia affects more than just the mind. It impacts every aspect of a person’s life, from relationships and career opportunities to simple daily tasks. Through our unique combination of intensive outpatient treatment (IOP), cutting-edge medication management, and comprehensive individual and family support, we don’t just treat your illness. We help you reclaim your life, rebuild your dreams, and restore your sense of self.
What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a complex neurobiological disorder that is one of the top 15 leading causes of disability worldwide.1Â The disorder impacts how a person perceives reality, processes information, and interacts with the world around them.Â
Contrary to common misconceptions, schizophrenia isn’t about having multiple personalities or being violent. It’s a serious but treatable condition that affects the brain’s ability to process information and manage emotions effectively.2
Understanding schizophrenia requires recognizing it as a spectrum disorder, meaning symptoms and experiences can vary significantly from person to person. Some individuals might experience mostly psychotic symptoms (such as hallucinations or delusions), while others might struggle more with negative symptoms (such as reduced emotional expression or decreased motivation). The condition typically emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood.2Â Early recognition of symptoms and prompt intervention can significantly improve long-term outcomes.
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Symptoms of Schizophrenia: Psychotic, Negative, & Cognitive
The symptoms of schizophrenia are as complex as they are diverse, manifesting in ways that can both add to and subtract from a person’s daily experience. These symptoms fall into three main categories—psychotic, negative, and cognitive.
- Psychotic Symptoms: These symptoms represent experiences “added” to normal functioning. Hallucinations, the most common psychotic symptom, often manifest as voices that can range from whispers to clear conversations. People frequently describe these experiences as distressing and overwhelming, which is why we prioritize both immediate symptom relief and long-term management strategies.Delusions, another significant psychotic symptom, can take various forms, from paranoid beliefs about being persecuted to grandiose ideas about having special powers. Through our evidence-based treatment approaches, we help clients develop reality-testing skills while maintaining their dignity and sense of self-worth.
- Negative Symptoms: Often more challenging to treat than positive symptoms, negative symptoms represent diminished normal functioning. These might include reduced emotional expression (flat affect), decreased motivation (avolition), and social withdrawal. Our treatment programs specifically target these symptoms through structured activities, social skills training, and motivational enhancement therapy.
- Cognitive Symptoms: Cognitive symptoms can be subtle but significantly impact daily functioning. These include:
- Attention and concentration difficulties
- Working memory problems
- Executive functioning challenges
- Information processing delays
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Common Misperceptions About Schizophrenia
The stigma surrounding schizophrenia often stems from widespread misunderstandings about the condition. At Guardian Recovery, we’re committed to educating both our clients and the broader community about the realities of living with schizophrenia. Here are two common myths and the corresponding realities.2
- Myth: Schizophrenia means having multiple personalities.Â
- Reality: This persistent misconception confuses schizophrenia with dissociative identity disorder (DID). Schizophrenia affects perception and thinking but doesn’t involve alternate personalities. Our educational programs help families and clients understand the true nature of the condition, leading to better support and treatment outcomes.
- Myth: People with schizophrenia are violent and dangerous.
- Reality: Research consistently shows that individuals with schizophrenia are more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators. At Guardian Recovery, we work to create safe, supportive environments where clients can focus on their recovery without judgment.
Substance Use and Schizophrenia
The relationship between substance use and schizophrenia presents unique challenges that require specialized care. Research indicates that approximately 50% of individuals with schizophrenia experience substance use issues at some point, significantly higher than the general population.2 At Guardian Recovery, we understand that this co-occurrence often stems from attempts to self-medicate symptoms or cope with the challenges of living with schizophrenia. Our dual diagnosis program specifically addresses the complex interplay between substance use and schizophrenia. We’ve found that treating both conditions simultaneously, rather than sequentially, leads to better outcomes. Our integrated treatment approach includes specialized therapy groups, medication management tailored for dual diagnosis, and comprehensive support services that address both conditions’ unique challenges.
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Guardian Recovery’s Treatment Options for Schizophrenia
Current treatments for schizophrenia aim to help individuals manage symptoms, enhance daily functioning, and work toward personal goals like completing education, building a career, and developing meaningful relationships.2 Guardian Recovery’s innovative approach employs a comprehensive menu of services alongside a coordinated care model.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Our intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a unique offering in the mental health field, providing structured support for individuals struggling with schizophrenia. Â The program features individual counseling once a week, psychiatry and medication management services monthly, and 3-hour group therapy sessions that meet 3 or 4 times per week. The program combines evidence-based therapeutic approaches, skill-building exercises, and peer support components.
Individual Counseling
Our individual counseling services are provided by therapists specifically trained in treating schizophrenia and related disorders. Each client works with a dedicated therapist who uses evidence-based approaches including:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis (CBTp)
- Personal therapy for schizophrenia
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Social cognition training
- Trauma-informed care approaches
Sessions typically occur weekly, with frequency adjusting based on individual needs and progress. Our therapists maintain close coordination with psychiatrists, family members, and other treatment team members to ensure comprehensive care delivery.
Psychiatry and Medication Management
Our psychiatric team specializes in treating complex presentations of schizophrenia, including treatment-resistant cases. We utilize the latest advances in psychopharmacology, including:
- Next-generation antipsychotic medications
- Careful monitoring for side effects and metabolic changes
- Integration of complementary treatments
- Regular medication reviews and adjustments
Cutting-Edge Treatment Options
At Guardian Recovery, we continuously integrate innovative treatments backed by the latest research. Recent additions to our treatment arsenal include transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for treatment-resistant symptoms and Spravato. TMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, reducing some mental health symptoms. Spravato, a fast-acting nasal spray, has shown promise in treating some treatment-resistant mental health disorders, offering hope to those who have not responded to traditional therapies.Â
Coordinated Care
Our coordinated care model represents a fundamental shift from traditional fragmented mental health care. Guardian Recovery clients benefit from a multidisciplinary team that regularly discusses your progress, challenges, and treatment adjustments.Â
Family Support
Family involvement is crucial for successful long-term outcomes in schizophrenia treatment. Our comprehensive family support program includes family therapy and support, along with individual counseling when needed.Â
Virtual Treatment
Guardian Recovery’s virtual mental health therapy allows you to receive professional treatment from the comfort and privacy of your own home. Our virtual offerings include online individual counseling, virtual intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) for mental health, and a hybrid in-person/virtual IOP option at some locations. Using secure, HIPAA-compliant technology, you can engage in group sessions, individual therapy, and skill-building workshops. Online mental health care is convenient, accessible, and just as effective as traditional in-person therapy. Plus, there’s no travel time to and from a counseling office or treatment center.
Our LocationsÂ
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Portland, Maine
Saddle Brook, NJ
Guardian IOP – New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ
Delray Beach, Florida
Hoboken, New Jersey
Why Choose Guardian Recovery?
At Guardian Recovery, we understand that effective schizophrenia treatment requires more than just medication management. It demands a comprehensive, personalized approach that addresses every aspect of your well-being. Our integrated treatment model combines cutting-edge medical care with evidence-based therapeutic approaches, creating a foundation for lasting recovery. From intensive outpatient programs to family support services, we offer a complete spectrum of care that evolves with your needs throughout the recovery journey.
What sets us apart is our commitment to coordinated care, where every member of your treatment team works in harmony to support your goals. Our specialized team includes psychiatrists, therapists, case managers, and support staff who collaborate daily to ensure your treatment plan remains responsive and effective. This seamless integration of services means you’ll never have to navigate your recovery alone. Instead, you’ll have an entire team of experts working together to help you achieve the best possible outcomes.
Whether you’re seeking help for the first time or looking for more effective treatment options, Guardian Recovery offers the comprehensive support you need to reclaim your life. We’ve created an environment where healing isn’t just possible; it’s expected. And every aspect of your care is designed to help you move from surviving to thriving.
To get started, reach out to speak with a member of our team. We’ll answer your questions, help you understand your treatment options, and even verify your insurance benefits and discuss self-pay options if needed. The call is free and confidential, and you’re under no obligation to enter care with us.
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FAQs
Most major insurance providers cover schizophrenia treatment partially or in full. Guardian Recovery works with numerous insurance companies and has dedicated insurance specialists who can verify your benefits before treatment begins. We also offer flexible payment options and can help explore coverage alternatives if needed. and more intensive inpatient services, providing the support needed for effective and sustainable recovery.
Many clients maintain work or school commitments while in treatment. Even our most intensive treatment option—our IOP—offers flexible scheduling options.
Research consistently shows that virtual treatment can be as effective as in-person care for many individuals. Our virtual program maintains the same evidence-based approaches and quality standards as our in-person services. Some clients actually prefer virtual treatment, finding it easier to engage from the safety and comfort of their own space. We carefully assess each client’s situation to determine if virtual treatment is appropriate and make adjustments as needed.
Treatment isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, so treatment costs vary depending on the type of care needed. That said, Guardian Recovery accepts most major insurance plans, and staff can verify your benefits before treatment begins and provide a clear explanation of any out-of-pocket costs. Plus, we believe that quality mental health care should be accessible to everyone, so we also offer flexible payment options for those who don’t have or don’t choose to use insurance.
Unlike traditional mental health settings where providers work independently, our coordinated care model ensures all your providers—therapists, psychiatrists, and other specialists—work together as a unified team. They talk regularly to discuss your progress, adjust treatment plans, and ensure all aspects of your care are working in harmony. This approach eliminates the common frustration of having to coordinate between different providers or repeat your story multiple times. Many clients tell us this integrated approach helps them feel truly supported and understood for the first time in their treatment journey.
Our approach to medication is thoughtful and personalized. While medication can be a valuable tool in mental health treatment, it’s never our sole focus. Our psychiatrists work closely with your therapy team to determine if medication might be beneficial as part of your overall treatment plan. If prescribed, we carefully monitor your response, adjust as needed, and ensure medication complements your therapeutic work. Many clients appreciate that our psychiatrists take time to explain medication options thoroughly, addressing concerns and setting realistic expectations about what medication can and cannot do.
Sources
- National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Schizophrenia.
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2024). Schizophrenia.
Reviewed professionally for accuracy by:
Ryan Soave
L.M.H.C.
Ryan Soave brings deep experience as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, certified trauma therapist, program developer, and research consultant for Huberman Lab at Stanford University Department of Neurobiology. Post-graduation from Wake Forest University, Ryan quickly discovered his acumen for the business world. After almost a decade of successful entrepreneurship and world traveling, he encountered a wave of personal and spiritual challenges; he felt a calling for something more. Ryan returned to school and completed his Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling. When he started working with those suffering from addiction and PTSD, he found his passion. He has never looked back.
